- Top spa destination in Slovakia
- award-winning historic center
- a dose of history at the Šariš Museum
Once a significant trade route between the Baltic and Black Seas, today an enchanting spa town full of valuable nature and culture.
Bardejov is one of the most beautiful towns in Slovakia. It stands out with its rich culture and history. In 2000, the historic center of Bardejov was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which means it is truly exceptional and captivating.
When you hear “Bardejov,” the famous Bardejov Baths are likely the first thing that comes to mind. They are visited not only by Slovaks but also by foreign tourists from all over the world. The Bardejov Baths are among the most sought-after spa resorts in Slovakia, primarily due to the existence of rare natural healing waters.
Although the baths are probably the most sought-after and enticing place in the town, Bardejov has much more to offer. Interesting cultural institutions and sports facilities attract both locals and tourists with their renowned quality and uniqueness. Visitors to Bardejov can enjoy the Šariš Museum, one of the oldest museums in Slovakia, which presents collections from the fields of history, art, natural sciences, and ethnography. Fans of folk culture will find their joy in the open-air museum called Bardejovský skanzen, and for music lovers, we must not forget the unique John Lennon Alley.
What we recommend to see and experience
Bardejov Baths
The Bardejov Baths are at the forefront of Slovak balneology with a long tradition. Visitors come to the Bardejov Baths to treat various internal diseases, women’s health issues, nervous disorders, and musculoskeletal conditions. There are eight different mineral medicinal springs, and thanks to research, we know that the location of the baths has the cleanest air in Slovakia. The spa area features a pedestrian zone and a forest park, a summer swimming pool with heated water, tennis courts, a covered tennis hall, mini-golf, an oxygen trail, hiking and cycling paths, and the Kamenná Hora lookout tower.
Šariš Museum
The Šariš Museum documents the development of nature and society in the Upper Šariš region. In its permanent exhibitions, visitors can see works depicting the medieval history of Bardejov until the end of the 18th century, as well as the Icons exhibition, which is the only specialized exhibition of Eastern rite iconographic heritage in Slovakia. The natural history exhibition, presenting characteristic representatives of flora and fauna in northeastern Slovakia, is also interesting.
Skanzen - Open-Air Museum of Folk Architecture
The Bardejovský skanzen is the oldest institution of its kind in Slovakia. The open-air museum exhibits 24 objects from the 19th and 20th centuries. It showcases the folk culture and architecture of the Slovak and Ruthenian population. Visitors have the opportunity to see residential log houses of poor farmers, various farm buildings such as granaries, barns, or blacksmith workshops, and finally, technical and sacral buildings such as churches, bell towers, and chapels.
Basilica Minor of St. Giles
This is the most significant monument in the city center. The basilica is a Gothic sacral building located in the northern part of the town square. It houses precious medieval sculptures, such as the Golgotha group from the late 15th century, Gothic stone pastophorium, and the sculpture of St. Giles.
Singing Fountain
The Singing Fountain was built in Bardejov in 2012. It provides a place of relaxation, leisure, and an unforgettable experience for locals and tourists alike, creating 92 colorful light points and speakers playing 12 melodies. The surrounding greenery and the peaceful space of the Promenade Park also offer a pleasant experience.
John Lennon Alley
In this case, it is an unconventional memorial tour of John Lennon created near his birthplace by a fan and enthusiast of The Beatles. The alley features façade sculptures, stones with the names of the band’s albums, and a relief portrait of John and Yoko. There is also a gallery in the basement of the house.